Knifeman Jailed For Bishop’s Waltham Betting Shop Robbery

A man who robbed a string of betting shops including one in Bishop’s Waltham after threatening staff with a knife has been jailed for eleven years.

Daniel Sharpe, age 26, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday to six counts of robbery, four counts of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Sharpe carried out his attacks in betting shops in Bishops Waltham, Locksheath, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Romsey between October 21st 2019 and February 6th this year.

The first robbery took place at Betting Limited in Brook Street, Bishops Waltham where staff reported being confronted by a man holding a knife.

The second happened on October 24th 2019 at Corals in Locksheath Shopping Centre where staff were threatened with a hammer.

Megabet in Leigh Road, Eastleigh was the third shop to be targeted on January 20th this year, with staff reporting being threatened with a hammer.

On January 23rd Ladbrokes on The Hundred in Romsey was robbed with a wrench used to threaten staff.

Betfred in Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh was robbed on January 26th with staff being threatened with a crowbar and on February 6th, Coral’s in Oakmount Road was targeted and a knife was used to threatened staff.

On each occasion, Sharpe stole quantities of cash. Fortunately no-one was injured in any of the incidents. Sharpe was sentenced to 11 years in jail on Thursday with a four-year extended licence.

Detective Constable Emma Cooke, who was in charge of the investigation, said: “Whilst no one was physically injured, Sharpe’s crimes had a significant impact on those who were subjected to such terrifying ordeals. I hope this sentence goes some way to helping them move on from these distressing incidents.

“I also hope this sentence sends a clear message to anyone considering committing this type of violent crime. It will not be tolerated and we will always carry out a thorough investigation to catch those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”